The Acorn

Hailing from Ottawa, The Acorn began in 2003 when Rolf emerged from his bedroom, a guitar in one paw, a computer in the other, and a song or two he was happy with. These tunes were characterized by lush electro-acoustic compositions, bleeps and blips and complex guitar lines. He made some Christmas EPs for his friends, and with their firm-but-gentle coaxing, Rolf started playing a few shows with his computer, Mr. Computer.

After a few months, with his interest in mopey electro-folk waning, Rolf decided to surround himself with a group of short to medium-sized musicians. Enter Jeffrey, Howie and Jeff, who Voltron-like turned the Acorn into a full band concern. Sometimes Howie's knee gets stuck in Jeff's shoulder. Thus, The Acorn actually started in the spring of 2004. At first, they just played Rolf's songs, which were quiet, atmospheric and nearly impossible.

So, The Acorn actually started in the Fall of 2004, when they began composing and arranging together. Howie played his wistful guitar noodle-melodies, and wiggled like an anxious Panda. Jeff made symphonies with his bass, using counterpoint to shock his foes and wow his friends. Jeffrey broke songs down into algorithms, momentarily confusing the band, adding beats both subtle and potent. The Acorn finally sounded unlike its bedroom-birthed parent. It had matured into a gangly adolescent.

In July 2004, they released a sweet, instrumental tribute to the idyllic and vowel-heavy Outaouais region, called "The Pink Ghosts." They have since shared the stage with some of their favourite bands, such as The Wooden Stars, Snailhouse, Elliot Brood, Gentleman Reg, Julie Doiron, Jim Bryson, We're Marching On!, Ohbijou, Great Lake Swimmers, Detective Kalita, the robot ate me, and many more.

Their new release is called "Blankets!" with an exclamation point to show how serious they are about thermal coverings, both literal and figurative. It's a four-song EP that highlights the strengths of a band that has gelled over a year of solid touring. Gone are the bucolic instrumentals and bedroom IDM, as the band has delved into more intricate acoustic arrangements and euphoric melodies, which have become the trademark of their energetic live show.

All of their songs are free to download from their one release, Blankets! off of their Myspace.

http://www.myspace.com/theacorn